UC HIV Services Fully Transition To Positively Living And Choice Health Network

HIV services in the Upper Cumberland have successfully transitioned to Positively Living and Choice Health Network.

The non-profit took over after UCHRA decided to discontinue its program. Regional Director Jered Croom said the new office at 225 N. Willow Ave serves about 100 people.

“There are more people than you think, who are actively living their lives, going to work, tending to their families and many other things in the Upper Cumberland region who use our services,” Croom said.

The office will continue to serve the region’s most vulnerable individuals and families affected by HIV, mental illness, substance use, homelessness and LBGTQ+ discrimination. Croom said Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS and the Ryan White Community AIDS Partnership are the two main programs provided.

“The way it works is there is a pull of clients who seek services from those programs, and those programs work on contracts,” Croom said. “One agency in a specific region gets the contract for that service. UCHRA had it before us, and once they made the decision not to pursue it, we competed for the contract.”

Croom said HIV has changed since the 1980’s when the disease was considered a death sentence. Croom said it is now more manageable with many living with the chronic illness.

“For places like the Upper Cumberland region and the rural area it encompasses, there are less people that do this committed service, and the reason that we do this that is unique is we service the complete person,” Croom said. “We don’t simply open our doors, offer you a service and send you on your way. You become part of the Positively Living, Choice Health Network family.”